Full announcement from the Foundation for Financial Planning:


With growing uncertainty about the U.S. economy driving increased financial anxiety among Americans, the importance of preparing for the future financially has never been more critical. The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Western North Carolina d/b/a On Track Financial Education & Counseling with a grant from the Foundation for Financial Planning is working to make a difference by helping people understand how to plan their financial future with their “Women's Financial Empowerment Initiative” project.

Through the “Women's Financial Empowerment Initiative” grant attendees of basic financial training, will be challenged to attend "Money Mastery" workshops to become a "Money Buddy" and mentor women to take control of their financial lives. This pilot incorporate arelational approach to changing financial behavior.

The CCCS of WNC d/b/a On Track Financial Education & Counseling is one of only fifteen non-profit organizations nationwide to receive a grant this cycle” said Elaine Bedel, CFP® chair of the Foundation. The Foundation has awarded 136 grants since 1998 for a total of $4.6 million.” Foundation beneficiaries include military families, the recently unemployed, homeless people who are deep into debt, young disadvantaged adults who are just trying to find their way as well as students and teachers.

The Foundation’s mission is to help bring financial planning to people who can't afford it, and teach financial life skills to those who’ve never learned it.

Bedel also shared that several of the new grants will continue the Foundation’s focus to expand return on investment by building new pilot programs that can lead to delivering pro bono financial planning and life skills to audiences across the nation. In addition there are organizations utilizing materials and concepts developed through previously funded grants to expand programs to audiences in new areas, exponentially growing previous grant investments.

Visit the Foundation’s website at www.foundation-finplan.org to learn more about the grant program, to access consumer financial life skills tools and information, to gain more information about the Foundation, or to make a contribution to help impact the lives of the underserved.